Data processing of APEX data: Frequently asked questions

• Are there any pipelines available to reduce APEX heterodyne data (instruments SHFI, FLASH, CHAMP+, SEPIA and PI230)?

Answer: The .TAR file contains a Reduction/ directory, which includes a CLASS reduction script (provided on a best effort basis). This script can be used as a starting point for a more careful data reduction.

• Are there any pipilines available to reduce APEX bolometer data (instruments LABOCA, SABOCA & Artemis)?

Answer: There are several software packages that can reduce the APEX bolometer data: BoA, CRUSH and IDL (only for Artemis). All of these assume the files have their original APEX filenames instead of the archive filenames. Please see the attached instructions on how to obtain and rename APEX bolometer files from the ESO archive back to their original file names.

The .TAR file contains a Reduction/ directory, which includes a CRUSH data reduction script (provided on a best effort basis). This script can be used as a starting point for a more careful data reduction. A more detailed data reduction, in particular for faint or very extended sources can be done in BoA. Detailed instructions, including a dedicated cookbook on reducing Artemis data is available at 

http://www.apex-telescope.org/instruments/pi/artemis/data_reduction/. 

To reduce photometric (wobbler on-off) data taken with LABOCA or SABOCA using BoA, a detailed cookbook can be found at 

http://www.apex-telescope.org/bolometer/laboca/reduction/BoA-woo.html.

• Where can I find calibration files for the APEX bolometer instruments LABOCA and SABOCA?

Answer: The opacities, calibration factors and array parameters for LABOCA and SABOCA can be found at 

http://www.apex-telescope.org/bolometer/laboca/calibration/ 

and http://www.apex-telescope.org/bolometer/saboca/calibration/.